Canon dives into 3D printing market with new resin-based technology and its first 3D printer concept

Oct 13, 2015 | By Kira

We are seeing more and more prominent brand names enter the 3D printing market; from HP launching it’s Multi-Jet Fusion Technology, to Staples partnering with Scultpeo to develop a comprehensive consumer-oriented 3D printing service. In the latest integration between household names and soon-to-be-household 3D printing technologies, Canon Europe has announced its entry to the 3D printing market with its first entirely in-house developed 3D printer and what they are calling a totally new method of resin-based 3D printing.

In the launch video, revealed today at the Canon EXPO in Paris, the company describes the expanding growth rate of industrial 3D printers and the demand for diversification of materials, increased durability and accuracy, simplification of post processing and faster build times. In response to these demands, the company has applied “pioneering technology” to create a novel 3D printer capable of “the highest level of precision in the industry…plus higher modelling speeds and faster setting times.” The resin-based lamination system is said to be ideal for both rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing, meaning consumers will be able to create quick iterations and small runs of the final product using a range of general-purpose resin materials moulded at the highest industry standards for a competitively smooth surface finish that reduces the need for time-consuming post-processing. So far, the concept launch sounds very much along the lines of “harder, better, faster, stronger,” a strategy that, if it delivers on its promises, will rival the ever-increasing range of competing 3D printers and 3D printing technologies on the market.

In addition to the 3D printer itself, Canon has developed 3D Integrated Software designed to seamlessly integrate multiple 3D scanners, 3D printers and other devices, and to easily handle multiple formats of 3D data. “Beginning with the newly developed 3D printer, Canon will bring innovation to manufacturing processes from design to production through 3D Integrated Software, the core of 3D Data Solutions,” said the company.

Canon Europe, a subsidiary of Canon Inc. of Japan, is one of the most high profile names in imaging solutions, designing and manufacturing a range of digital and SLR cameras, offering a professional printing services and developing products for the medical, optical and broadcast industries. They have also previously dipped their toes into the 3D printing market, having announced a distribution agreement with 3D Systems to market, sell and support their line of 3D printers across Europe. Though the 3D printing technology unveiled today is still in concept-stage, with no indication of future availability, it is nevertheless a hugely promising development not only for the European company but also for the 3D printing industry at large, as it gains more recognition and acceptance within the mainstream consumer market.

Problem with Canon is their business model for printers of all sorts is to bank on revenue from consumables... Like any manufacturer, I guess. My prediction for this baby is a cost of $2.5k for the machine and some crazy price for their resin cartidges. Forever.
Hendrik

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